In our family, these patties are a big hit. Therefore, I have to make a big batch. So, as you can see in the images, I usually make about four cans at a time. And the leftovers I add to Aadi’s school box in my soft burger bun. He calls them ‘tuna burgers’ and loves them.
Why make these patties
These tuna patties or tuna fish cakes are a great way to start adding tuna to your diet. The recipe is simple, easy, and ready in less than 20 minutes. Most of the ingredients are easy to find or simple pantry staples. Serve them as appetizers and sides or in sandwiches and wraps. They also make perfect lunch box meals. Patties are a great way to make a quick snack, a light dinner, or a side dish. These also make a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or eaten on their own. I make some of these and serve them in sandwich bread slices when the kids are back from basketball practice. Perfect! Another great way to make these patties is to add potato to the tuna.
Ingredients and substitutes
Canned tuna – You can use any brand cans of tuna you like. Actually, you can also use drained canned salmon to make salmon patties. Onion and garlic – I am using a brown onion but you can also use green onions or shallots. But, I prefer to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Fresh herbs – My herb of choice is fresh parsley or cilantro. And yet when it comes to fish, I also love adding dill because it pairs so well with tuna and salmon. Mustard – Just a slight zing. And yet you can omit it altogether. Parmesan – A little nutty flavor from parmesan that takes away the fishy smell completely. It’s amazing! Salt – Please taste the tuna before you add salt. Since some brands have salt added. Optional ingredinets Spicy – If you love spicy food, add 1/4 tsp chili or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, add 1/4 tsp siracha to the tuna mixture. Lemon zest enhances the flavor of lemon in the patties.
Step-by-step: Easy tuna patties or tuna cakes
Tuna cakes
Tuna – Drain the canned tuna well in a colander. Place it in a large bowl and flake using a fork. Tuna mixture – Add the onion, garlic powder, parsley, mustard paste, egg, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Patties – Divide the mixture into four medium or six small patties. Roll into a tight ball and then fatten it to shape into a patty.Pro tip – You can make these patties ahead of time. Then, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. And keep them in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Pan fry – In a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet add the olive oil or vegetable oil and gently place the patties. Cook 2 minutes on each side on medium heat until lighty golden brown.
Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard, and honey. Serve the patties with the yogurt sauce or ketchup, mayonnaise, tartar sauce.
Creative variations
Tuna potato patties – add grated potato or sweet potato to the tuna to make tuna potato patties. Gluten-free patties – use almond flour as a binding agent to make these low carb or gluten free patties. Veggies – You can add grated zucchini or grated carrots to the bowl to make this carrot tuna patties or zucchini tuna patties.
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Frequently asked questions
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